Report: Led by Wireless Handset Segment, Strong 2010 Expected for Consumer Electronics Industry

As the economy warms up, it's predicted that the consumer electronics industry will generate more than $165 billion in U.S. shipment revenues in 2010, according to the semi-annual forecast released on Jan. 7, 2009 by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA).

The $165 billion figure would be a a slight increase from 2009. The CEA says the consumer electronics industry will see positive revenue growth in 2010 after a revenue decline in 2009.

The CEA says the wireless handset category is expected to have a strong 2010 and will be the primary revenue driver for the consumer electronics industry this year.

Within the mobile handset industry, the report says smartphones continue to lead the way. The CEA says smartphones will generate nearly $17 billion in shipment revenue and more than 52 million unit sales in 2010.

"Smartphones ... are primed for strong growth as consumers continue to seek efficient, portable devices," said CEA director of industry analysis Steve Koenig. "With more consumers seeking content anywhere [and at any time], the demand for products facilitating these experiences will drive purchases going forward."

Though cell phones will still outweigh smartphones this year, the report says smartphones will comprise more than 30 percent of total wireless phone shipments in 2010 with that percentage increasing in the years ahead.

More cell phone and smartphone studies can be found here.